Chapter 9: Chapter 9

This chapter
Characters 30
Places 0
Nick Carraway handles the aftermath of Gatsby's death amid police, reporters, and false newspaper stories. He alone tries to arrange a funeral, contacting Daisy, Meyer Wolfshiem, and others who abandon Gatsby, while Gatsby's father arrives from Minnesota. The sparsely attended funeral leads Nick to reflect on his Western roots, confront Tom and Jordan, and ultimately leave the East, contemplating Gatsby's lost dream of the green light.

On stage

Nick Carraway Manages the post-death arrangements for Gatsby, calls various people, attends the funeral, confronts Tom and Jordan, then decides to return to the Midwest.
Jay Gatsby Lies dead in his house after being shot; his body is viewed by officials and his father; his funeral is poorly attended.
Meyer Wolfshiem Refuses to attend Gatsby's funeral, citing business and not wanting to get mixed up in the death; shares stories of first meeting young Gatsby.
Henry C. Gatz Arrives for the funeral, views his son's body and mansion with awed pride, shares Gatsby's childhood self-improvement schedule and photo.
Daisy Buchanan Flees with Tom after Gatsby's death, leaving no address or message for the funeral.
Tom Buchanan Tells Wilson that Gatsby owned the car that killed Myrtle, justifying it as self-defense; later encounters Nick on Fifth Avenue and defends his actions.
Jordan Baker Listens to Nick's account of events, claims to be engaged to another man, and confronts him about ending their relationship.
Owl Eyes Attends the funeral in the rain, expresses surprise at the low attendance, and calls Gatsby "the poor son-of-a-bitch."
Ewing Klipspringer Calls Nick about retrieving his tennis shoes left at the house but makes excuses to avoid attending the funeral.
Michaelis His testimony reveals Wilson's suspicions of his wife but does not alter the simplified official narrative.
Catherine Testifies at the inquest, denies any connection between her sister and Gatsby, and convinces herself of her sister's happiness.
George Wilson His body is examined by police and reporters; his suspicions and actions are downplayed in reports.
Slagle Calls thinking he is speaking to Gatsby, reveals trouble with stolen bonds, then hangs up upon learning of Gatsby's death.
Stella Blocks Nick from seeing Wolfshiem, lies that he is in Chicago, then fetches him after Nick mentions Gatsby.
The Lutheran minister Arrives for the funeral, waits briefly, then conducts the short service at the cemetery in the rain.
Main 11

Nick Carraway

Also known as: Mr. Carraway, Nick, the narrator, I, old sport

Young bond salesman from a prominent Midwestern family, Yale graduate and WWI veteran. Reserved, tolerant, and inclined to withhold judgment. Manages the post-death arrangements for Gatsby, calls various people, attends the funeral, confronts Tom and Jordan, then decides to return to the Midwest.

Daisy Buchanan second cousin once removedTom Buchanan college acquaintanceJordan Baker acquaintanceJay Gatsby neighborTom Buchanan acquaintance +30 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Jay Gatsby

Also known as: Gatsby, Mr. Gatsby, my neighbour, the man who gives his name to this book, my host, old sport +11 más

Wealthy and mysterious man from a poor background who rose through ambition and shady dealings to live in the mansion next to Nick in West Egg. He is known for his extravagant parties and an extraordinary gift for hope. Lies dead in his house after being shot; his body is viewed by officials and his father; his funeral is poorly attended.

Nick Carraway neighborNick Carraway neighbor and guestJordan Baker someone he speaks with privatelyNick Carraway neighbor and lunch companionJordan Baker acquaintance who speaks for him +19 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Daisy Buchanan

Also known as: Daisy, my cousin, my second cousin once removed, the other girl, red-haired young lady from a famous chorus, she +7 más

Wealthy socialite from Louisville, Nick's second cousin, and Gatsby's former lover. Married to Tom and involved in the car accident that killed Myrtle. Flees with Tom after Gatsby's death, leaving no address or message for the funeral.

Nick Carraway second cousin once removedTom Buchanan husbandJordan Baker friend from LouisvillePammy Buchanan daughterJay Gatsby former love interest from 1917 +19 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Tom Buchanan

Also known as: Tom, her husband, my old friend, Mr. Buchanan, the polo player, Mr. Thomas Buchanan +1 más

Arrogant, wealthy Yale alumnus from Chicago and Daisy's husband. Aggressive, unfaithful, and careless with others' lives. Tells Wilson that Gatsby owned the car that killed Myrtle, justifying it as self-defense; later encounters Nick on Fifth Avenue and defends his actions.

Daisy Buchanan wifeNick Carraway college acquaintanceJordan Baker guestMyrtle Wilson mistressNick Carraway acquaintance +17 more
Chapters 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9

Jordan Baker

Also known as: Jordan, Miss Baker, she, the balancing girl, the stranger, the younger of the two +2 más

Professional golfer and friend of Daisy, known for her cool, dishonest demeanor and athletic grace. Involved in a past romance with Nick. Listens to Nick's account of events, claims to be engaged to another man, and confronts him about ending their relationship.

Daisy Buchanan friend from LouisvilleTom Buchanan hostNick Carraway new acquaintanceNick Carraway romantic interestJay Gatsby someone she knows and speaks with privately +10 more
Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9

Myrtle Wilson

Also known as: Mrs. Wilson, Myrtle, Tom's girl, Tom's mistress, his girl, her +3 más

Deceased wife of George Wilson who was killed by Gatsby's car the previous night. She had been having an affair with Tom Buchanan. Only mentioned in Wilson's grief-stricken recollections and explanations; her death drives Wilson's quest for revenge.

Tom Buchanan loverGeorge Wilson husbandCatherine sisterNick Carraway party guestTom Buchanan lover (implied through context) +4 more
Chapters 2, 4, 7, 8

George Wilson

Also known as: George B. Wilson, Wilson, old man, proprietor, he, his +3 más

Distraught garage owner who killed Gatsby then himself after his wife Myrtle's death. Labeled "deranged by grief." His body is examined by police and reporters; his suspicions and actions are downplayed in reports.

Myrtle Wilson wifeTom Buchanan customer and wife's loverMyrtle Wilson wifeTom Buchanan customerMyrtle Wilson deceased wife +2 more
Chapters 2, 7, 8, 9

Catherine

Also known as: her sister, the sister, her sister (Myrtle's)

Myrtle Wilson's sister with a corrected eyebrow, known for potential gossip but shows unexpected restraint. Testifies at the inquest, denies any connection between her sister and Gatsby, and convinces herself of her sister's happiness.

Myrtle Wilson sisterTom Buchanan sister's loverMyrtle Wilson sisterMyrtle Wilson sister
Chapters 2, 8, 9

Meyer Wolfshiem

Also known as: Meyer, Mr. Wolfshiem, Wolfshiem

Gatsby's former mentor and business partner, a shady Jewish gambler involved in fixing the 1919 World Series. Pragmatic, sentimental about the past but avoids trouble. Refuses to attend Gatsby's funeral, citing business and not wanting to get mixed up in the death; shares stories of first meeting young Gatsby.

Jay Gatsby friend and associate he admiresNick Carraway mistaken for a business contactJay Gatsby business connectionJay Gatsby associateJay Gatsby former protégé and close friend +1 more
Chapters 4, 5, 7, 9

Dan Cody

Also known as: Mr. Dan Cody, old sport's best friend, Cody

Millionaire who took the young Gatsby under his wing and influenced his life. Only mentioned in Gatsby's recounted story of his youth.

Jay Gatsby best friendJay Gatsby former employeeElla Kaye manipulatorJay Gatsby protégé
Chapters 5, 6, 8

Michaelis

Also known as: Mavro Michaelis, his neighbour, the young Greek

Owner of a garage and witness at the inquest. Provided testimony about Wilson's suspicions. His testimony reveals Wilson's suspicions of his wife but does not alter the simplified official narrative.

George Wilson neighbor and witness subjectGeorge Wilson friend he comforts
Chapters 7, 8, 9
Secondary 19

Pammy Buchanan

Also known as: her daughter, she, the baby, Pammy, bles-sed pre-cious, little dream +2 más

Daisy's young daughter who is shy, well-disciplined, and resembles her mother. Is brought into the room by her nurse during lunch, greets the guests reluctantly, and is quickly taken away again.

Tom Buchanan fatherDaisy Buchanan motherDaisy Buchanan motherTom Buchanan father
Chapters 1, 7

Doctor T. J. Eckleburg

Also known as: Doctor Eckleburg, eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg

Giant billboard eyes overlooking the valley of ashes. Only referenced when Wilson stares at the sign and interprets it as the eyes of God watching his wife's infidelity.

Chapters 2, 8

Mr. McKee

Also known as: Chester, Chester McKee, McKee

Pale, feminine photographer from the apartment below who is in the "artistic game." He is respectful but somewhat boring. Attends the party with his wife, attempts to photograph guests, discusses his work on Long Island, falls asleep, and invites Nick to lunch while leaving.

Mrs. McKee wifeMyrtle Wilson neighbor
Chapter 2

Mrs. McKee

Also known as: his wife

Shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible wife of Mr. McKee who is proud of her husband's photography. Attends the party, compliments Myrtle's dress, suggests photo poses, discusses her past romantic decisions, and helps console Myrtle after she is injured.

Mr. McKee husbandMyrtle Wilson neighbor
Chapter 2

Owl Eyes

Also known as: Jordan’s escort, a man of about my age, another man in the car, apparition, he, man in a long duster +9 más

Guest previously found drunk in Gatsby's library admiring the books; wears thick glasses. Eccentric and somewhat sincere in his respect for Gatsby. Attends the funeral in the rain, expresses surprise at the low attendance, and calls Gatsby "the poor son-of-a-bitch."

Nick Carraway fellow WWI veteran and guestOwl Eyes companion in the car wreckJordan Baker escort he hopes to become intimate withJay Gatsby acquaintance
Chapters 3, 9

Lucille

One of the two girls in twin yellow dresses who frequently attends Gatsby's parties. She is alert, confident, and casually discusses rumors about Gatsby while accepting his gifts. Sits at a table with Nick, Jordan, and others, recounts receiving a new gown from Gatsby after tearing her previous one, shares and debates rumors that Gatsby killed a man or was a German spy, and performs a baby act with her twin later in the evening.

The other girl in yellow companionJay Gatsby host she gossips about
Chapter 3

The other girl in yellow

Also known as: one of the girls in yellow, she, the first girl

One of the two girls in twin yellow dresses at the party. She is eager, gossipy, and speculative about Gatsby's past. Sits at the table discussing parties and rumors, eagerly suggests Gatsby killed a man, leans forward sharing confidential gossip, and performs a baby act with Lucille later.

Lucille companionJay Gatsby host she gossips about
Chapter 3

Ewing Klipspringer

Also known as: Ewing, Klipspringer, Mr. Klipspringer, the boarder

Frequent party guest at Gatsby's house who stayed over often. Selfish and opportunistic. Calls Nick about retrieving his tennis shoes left at the house but makes excuses to avoid attending the funeral.

Jay Gatsby hostJay Gatsby former host
Chapters 5, 9

Ella Kaye

the newspaper woman, Madame de Maintenon Manipulative newspaper woman who exploited Dan Cody's weakness and ultimately received his fortune.

Chapter 6

Mr. Sloane

Also known as: Sloane

Haughty and ungrateful man who accompanies Tom Buchanan and the lady on their horseback visit to Gatsby's house. Visits Gatsby's house, declines hospitality, insists on leaving without Gatsby, and later leaves abruptly.

Tom Buchanan companion
Chapter 6

Miss Baedeker

Also known as: she, the accused, the girl

Drunken and vocal female guest at Gatsby's party who slumps, screams after cocktails, and argues about her behavior. Appears heavily intoxicated at the tipsy table, defends herself against criticism of her drinking, and complains about past incidents.

Doctor Civet acquaintance
Chapter 6

Doctor Civet

Also known as: Doc, Doc Civet

Physician or guest at Gatsby's party who is accused of having shaky hands. Helps or is involved with Miss Baedeker after she is pushed into the pool, criticized for his unsteady hands.

Miss Baedeker patient or acquaintance
Chapter 6

The moving-picture director

the director, her director Gorgeous woman's film director who is seen slowly bending to kiss her under the white-plum tree at the party.

Chapter 6

His Star

the Star, that lady, a gorgeous scarcely human orchid of a woman, she, the girl Celebrity actress or movie star sitting under the white-plum tree at Gatsby's party.

Chapter 6

Biloxi

Also known as: Bill Biloxi, Blocks Biloxi, a man named Biloxi, his cousin

Man from Biloxi, Tennessee, who attended Daisy and Tom's wedding and claimed Yale connections. Recalled in conversation at the Plaza as having fainted at the wedding and stayed with Jordan's family.

Daisy Buchanan wedding guest acquaintanceTom Buchanan wedding host acquaintanceJordan Baker host during his stay
Chapter 7

Henry C. Gatz

Also known as: Gatsby's father, Mr. Gatz, the old man, the sender

Solemn, helpless old man from Minnesota and Gatsby's father. Proud of his son's success but emotionally overwhelmed. Arrives for the funeral, views his son's body and mansion with awed pride, shares Gatsby's childhood self-improvement schedule and photo.

Jay Gatsby sonNick Carraway son's friend
Chapter 9

Slagle

An associate involved in Gatsby's shady bond or criminal dealings from Chicago. Calls about "Young Parke's" arrest. Calls thinking he is speaking to Gatsby, reveals trouble with stolen bonds, then hangs up upon learning of Gatsby's death.

Jay Gatsby criminal associate
Chapter 9

Stella

Lovely Jewish woman working in Meyer Wolfshiem's office. Hostile and protective of her boss. Blocks Nick from seeing Wolfshiem, lies that he is in Chicago, then fetches him after Nick mentions Gatsby.

Meyer Wolfshiem employer
Chapter 9

The Lutheran minister

Also known as: The minister

Clergyman from Flushing who officiates Gatsby's funeral. Patient but time-conscious. Arrives for the funeral, waits briefly, then conducts the short service at the cemetery in the rain.

Chapter 9
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